Microbial Quality in Coastal Waters of Dardanelles in Relation to the Pollution Sources and Transport Pathways

The coastal water quality of Çanakkale Dardanelles (Turkey) was assessed based on bacteriological data and physical–chemical parameters. Total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), and enterococci (ENT) bacteria along with physicochemical parameters were measured monthly up to a year at 12 different sampling sites located through both coastal lines of the strait. The fecal bacteria were abounded at several sampling sites such as B1, B3, G3, and G4 due to direct wastewater discharges and septic leakages or overloading. Storm water runoff and sediment resuspension were important pathways for the transport of coliform and ENT bacteria to the Dardanelles, as the region receives high precipitation and strong winds for most part of the year. The values of pH, temperature, and salinity were in typical ranges for the studied area. The microbiological and physicochemical data were correlated individually and in combination. The best fit correlations for bacterial data were attained between TC and FC or TC and ENT (R = 0.67 or ?0.68), while those for the combined data were obtained for TC with temperature (R = 0.94) and TC with salinity (R = ? 0.70).     

Recovery of Phosphate Sludge as Concrete Supplementary Material

The automotive industry plays a major role in the worldwide economy and represents an opportunity to increase the performance of the Turkish economy. Phosphating units in the automotive manufacturing plants generate phosphate sludge as waste, which is classified as hazardous waste in the European Waste Catalogue. Phosphate sludge must be disposed of in licensed disposal plants according to the current environmental regulations. Solidification/stabilization (S/S) is a widely used treatment technology for the disposal of hazardous wastes. Portland cement is used for the solidification and stabilization processes to immobilize Ni and Zn in the phosphate sludge as well as to create construction material to be used as cobble stone for pavement. Examination of products obtained by S/S processes is performed for two points: to determine the quality and to assess the environmental impacts. The phosphate sludge samples are subjected to chemical characterization and a size distribution analysis leaching test. Concrete for cobble stone was produced by the S/S process with the addition of phosphate sludge to replace sand. Tests for the quality of the product were carried out to determine compressive strength, permeability, and elasticity. At the end of the leaching test, elution concentrations of Zn and Ni while using water with pH values of 4.0, 5.4, and 9.0 were determined to be under the limit of inert material properties. Use of phosphate sludge should be considered as a sand replacement in the proportion of 1% of phosphate sludge to cement in concrete production, such as for cobble stone for pavement, without any adverse environmental impacts.     

Exploration of S-wave velocity profiles at strong motion stations in Eskisehir,Turkey, using microtremor phase velocity and S-wave amplification

We have explored 1D S-wave velocity profiles of shallow and deep soil layers over a basement at strong motion stations in Eskisehir Province, Turkey. Microtremor array explorations were conducted at eight strong motion stations in the area to know shallow 1D S-wave velocity models. Rayleigh wave phase velocity at a frequency range from 3 to 30 Hz was estimated with the spatial autocorrelation analysis of array records of vertical microtremors at each station. Individual phase velocity was inverted to a shallow S-wave velocity profile. Low-velocity layers were identified at the stations in the basin. Site amplification factors from S-wave parts of earthquake records that had been estimated at the strong motion stations by Yamanaka et al. (2017) were inverted to the S-wave velocities and Q-values of the sedimentary layers. The depths to the basement with an S-wave velocity of 2.2 km/s are about 1 km in the central part of the basin, while the basement becomes shallow as 0.3 km in the marginal part of the basin. We finally discussed the effects of the shallow and deep sedimentary layers on the 1D S-wave amplification characteristics using the revealed profiles. It is found that the shallow soil layers have no significant effects in the amplification at a frequency range lower than 3 Hz in the area.     

A statistical assessment on global drift ratio demands of mid-rise RC buildings using code-compatible real ground motion records

Over the past 20 years, significant socio-economic losses have been encountered in Turkey due to several moderate to large earthquakes. The studies published after the earthquakes concurringly emphasized that multistory reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, mostly 3–7 story ones, collapsed or were heavily damaged as a result of inadequate seismic performance. Global drift ratio demands are mostly used as a representative quantity for determining the behavior of structures when subjected to earthquakes. In this study, three representative mid-rise RC buildings are analyzed by nonlinear time history analysis using code-compatible real ground motion record sets and the calculated global drift ratio demands of these buildings are statistically evaluated. Ground motion record sets compatible with the design spectrum defined for local soil classes in the Turkish Earthquake Code (TEC-2007) are used for the analyses. In order to evaluate the effect of the number of ground motions on drift ratio demands, five different ground motion record sets with 7, 11 and 15 ground motion records are used separately for each local soil class. Results of this study indicate that (1) the dispersion of global drift ratio demands calculated for individual ground motion records in record sets is high, (2) local soil class has no significant effect on dispersion. However, dispersion increases in a direct proportion to the number of ground motion records in a record set, (3) the mean of global drift ratio demands calculated for different ground motion record sets may differ although they are compatible with the same design spectrum, (4) the mean of the drift demands obtained from different ground motion record sets compatible with a particular design spectrum can be accepted as simply random samples of the same population at 95% confidence level.     

Analysis of dam-induced cyclic patterns on river flow dynamics

This paper investigates the impact of the Hungry Horse Dam on streamflow dynamics in the South Fork of the Flathead River, Montana, USA. To this end, pre- and post-dam periods of raw and naturalized streamflow data were analysed. Pettitt’s change point analysis indicated a significant change point in streamflow dynamics due to dam construction. Complexities in the pre- and post-dam periods were evaluated by sample and multi-scale entropy analyses, and the entropies of the post-dam period were found to be higher than those of the pre-dam period. Possible reasons for this, unrelated to the natural hydrological cycle caused by the dam, were analysed using wavelet analyses. The wavelet analyses showed a clear change in the phase relationship between precipitation and streamflow. Finally, weak positive trends found in the hydrological variables indicated the effects of human activities (e.g. dam construction). The results also revealed distorted lead times, which can improve the streamflow forecasts for different lead times.     

Spectrophotometric Determination of Gold (III) after Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Selective Pre‐concentration with a Novel Dibenzo‐18‐Crown‐6 Derivative

A selective and sensitive method for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of gold with N,N′‐6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21‐octahydrodibenzo[b,k][1,4,7,10,13,16] hexaoxacyclo‐octadecine‐2,13–diylbis(2‐chloroacetamide) (ODBOCA) is described. The ODBOCA–Au(III) complex was extracted from a slightly acidic aqueous solution (pH 5) into a chloroform layer and then the absorbance of the extract was measured using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer with 1.0 cm quartz cells at 540 nm. An enrichment factor of 200 was achieved. In the chloroform medium at 540 nm, the molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 4.12 × 10³ l mol^?1 cm^?1 and 0.048 μg cm^?2, respectively. Beer’s law was obeyed in the range of 0.5–15 μg ml^?1 in the measured solution. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate samples at the 1.0 μg ml^?1 level was 3.0%. The limit of detection, based on 3s, was 0.5 μg l^?1 in the original sample. The effects of pH, ligand concentration and shaking time were studied. The ratio of the metal ion to ligand molecules in the complex was found to be 1:2 according to the Job Method. The effects of interference by a number of metal ions were investigated. The method was verified with certified reference materials and spiked tests, and quantitative recovery values were obtained. The method was fast, accurate, selective and precise, and was applied to the determination of gold in water and ore with good results.     

A geotechnical investigation of the retrogressive Yaka Landslide and the debris flow threatening the town of Yaka (Isparta,SW Turkey)

In this study the factors affecting the retrogressive Yaka Landslide, its mechanism and the hazard of debris flow on the town of Yaka are investigated. In the landslide area, the first landslide was small and occurred in March 2006 on the lower part of the Alaard?ç Slope near the Gelendost District town of Yaka (Isparta, SW Turkey). The second, the Yaka Landslide, was large and occurred on 19 February 2007 in the soil-like marl on the central part of Alaard?ç Slope. The geometry of the failure surface was circular and the depth of the failure surface was about 3 m. Following the landslide, a 85,800 m³ of displaced material transformed to a debris flow. Then, the debris flow moved down the Eglence Valley, traveling a total distance of about 750 m. The town of Yaka is located 1,600 m downstream of Eglence Creek and hence poses a considerable risk of debris flow, should the creek be temporarily dammed as a result of further mass movement. Material from the debris accumulation has been deposited on the base of Eglence Valley and has formed a debris-dam lake behind a debris dam. Trees, agricultural areas, and weirs in the Eglence Creek have seen serious damage resulting from the debris flow. The slope angle, slope aspect and elevation of the area in this study were generated using a GIS-based digital elevation model (DEM). The stability of the Alaard?ç Slope was assessed using limit equilibrium analysis with undrained peak and residual shear strength parameters. In the stability analyses, laboratory test results performed on the soil-like marls were used. It was determined that the Alaard?ç Slope is found to be stable under dry conditions and unstable under completely saturated conditions. The Alaard?ç Slope and its vicinity is a paleolandslide area, and there the factor of safety for sliding was found to be about 1.0 under saturated conditions. The Alaard?ç Slope and the deposited earthen materials in Eglence Creek could easily be triggered into movement by any factors or combination of factors, such as prolonged or heavy rainfall, snowmelt or an earthquake. It was established that the depth of the debris flow initiated on the Yaka Landslide reached up to 8 m in Eglence Creek at the point it is 20 m wide. If this deposited material in Eglence Creek is set into motion, the canal that passes through Yaka, with its respective width and depth of 7 and 1.45 m, could not possibly discharge the flow. The destruction or spillover of this canal in Yaka could bring catastrophic loss to residents which are located within 3–5 m of the bank of the canal. Furthermore, if material present in the landslide source area slides and this displaced material puts pressure on the unstable deposited material in Eglence Creek, even more catastrophic loss would occur to the town of Yaka. In this study, it was determined that debris flows are still a major hazard to Yaka and its population of 3,000. The results provided in this study could help citizens, planners, and engineers to reduce losses caused by existing and future landslides and debris flow in rainfall and snowmelt conditions by means of prevention and mitigation.     

Controlling factors of recent clastic coastal sediments (Viransehir,Mersin bay,S Turkey)

The Plio-Quaternary conglomeratic sets within the marine environment of the Viranşehir coast (W Mersin, S Turkey) are responsible for the evolution of sandy and gravely beaches due to their control on various factors such as sea floor irregularity, wave energy, and organic activity. The conglomeratic sets close to the shoreline (50–150 cm) act as wave breakers, creating hard substratum and high energy, well-oxygenated environment for organisms like Patella sp., Phoronida worms and Brachidontes pharaonis (Fischer P. 1870). The boring activities of these organisms have disintegrated the sandy matrix of these sets. Finer-grained matrix sediments have been transported to the interset and open sea, while cobble–pebbles have been carried landwards and have created imbricated gravely beach deposits without matrix. Sandy beach is evolving where the conglomeratic sets away from the shoreline (5.0–10.0 m). In this example, sets form a bar; causing fivefold division as backshore, berm, surf zone, bar and offshore from land to sea. Poorly sorted, cobbles-pebbles cobbles and pebbles are found associated with the high-energy environments of bars, whilst well-sorted sands are observed in low energetic environments on shore. The sets and recent shell fragments are the main sources of coastal sediments in Viranşehir. However, the amount of shell fragments decrease towards the active river mouth. This is due to sediment and fresh water influx from the river causing deteriorated temperature, salinity and light penetration of the marine environment resulting in less organic diversity. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Levels of Organohalogenated Pollutants in Human Milk Samples from Konya City,Turkey

This study reports the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs, α‐, β‐, γ‐ and Δ‐HCHs, p,p′‐DDE, p,p′‐DDD and p,p′‐DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, PCB 28, 52, 101, 153, 138 and 180 congeners) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, PBDE 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 congeners) in 45 individual human milk samples collected from Konya City, Turkey. Average concentrations of ΣHCHs, ΣDDTs, ΣPCBs and ΣPBDEs were 22.62, 37.10, 104.95 and 67.34 ng/g lipid wt., respectively. No significant differences in investigated pollutants were found between primiparous and multiparous mothers. There was no correlation between levels of each group of pollutants in human milk and the age of mothers. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the levels of ΣDDTs, between mothers who have eaten fish more than once a week and those who consumed fish less than once. An analysis of the infant exposure to DDTs, HCHs and PCBs via mother's milk indicated that the estimated daily intakes of these pollutants were below the guideline proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Canada which means that there is definitely no concern on children health.     

Distribution Study of U,V, Mo,and Zr in Different Sites of Lakes Van and Hazar,River and Seawater Samples by ICP‐MS

The aim of this study is to investigate the concentrations of U, Th, V, Mo, and Zr in natural waters taken from Turkey. Among these water species, Lake Van is the largest soda lake and the fourth largest closed basin on Earth. The water samples were collected from 51 locations between 2008 and 2009. The inductively coupled plasma‐MS was used for determinations. The obtained U and Zr concentrations are in the range of 37–110 µg L^?1 and 17–78 µg L^?1 in Lake Van and 0.53–0.81 µg L^?1 and 0.15–0.19 µg L^?1 in Lake Hazar, respectively. The concentration of uranium in other studied waters varies from the lowest 0.09 µg L^?1 in Tigris (Dicle) river to the highest 4.0 µg L^?1 in Mediterranean Sea water. Mean Mo and V concentrations in the studied water samples were found to be in ranges of 0.1–17 and 2.7–113 µg L^?1, respectively. The obtained highest U concentration in Lake Van correlates with the highest Mo and Zr levels compared to the Lake Hazar and river waters. These results imply that there is a young occurrence of uranium minerals around Lake Van. It is concluded that there is about 50.000 ton of uranium in Lake Van water.